Buffalo Bills News - January 29, 2002

Bills seek to interview Rams QB coach for coordinator job [8:56 PM]St. Louis Post Dispatch reports:
'Under league rules, the Bills can't interview Ramsdell until after the Rams' season ends. Zygmunt indicated Monday that Martz would have no problem with Ramsdell interviewing for the position. adding that Martz doesn't try to stand in the way of assistants who have a chance at career advancement.'

Clements draws Buffalo's interest [10:39 AM]Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports:
Tom Clements, the Steelers first QB coach in 28 years, is a candidate to become the OC of the Buffalo Bills. Bills president Tom Donahoe yesterday requested and received permission from the Steelers to talk to Clements. Williams was trying to arrange to bring Clements to Buffalo for an interview today.

Briscoe writes own footnote to history [9:12 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'No longer content as a footnote in other people's stories, Briscoe has written his own story, entitled "The First Black Quarterback". The book, due out Feb. 15, chronicles Briscoe's fascinating and volatile life.'

Coordinator choices are numerous for the Bills [5:06 AM]D and C reports:
'Gilbride interviewed recently with Minnesota for its offensive coordinator's job. He also reportedly put the New Orleans Saints on hold for its offer to coach their quarterbacks so he could speak with another team about a more prestigious position. That team could be the Bills. Mike Riley, fired as San Diego's head coach, is also believed to be interested in Buffalo's opening.'

Fassel eyes Wade, Tobin [5:05 AM]New York Post reports:
'Given that Reeves will likely coach only one more season, Phillips might be attracted to Atlanta if he hopes to again be a head coach.'

January 28, 2002

Fireside Chat with Tom Donahoe [11:41 PM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
The Best anjd the Worst of the Job
"Talking to the agents is really challenging because they have such a different agenda than we do", he said. "They're concerned about one player, we have to be concerned about 53 players, the salary cap and how it affects the whole team. That's challenging. I wouldn't say I dislike it, but there are other things that I would rather be doing."

Maxie signs on with Bills [8:33 PM]CP reports:
'Demetrious Maxie obviously had a change of heart. Last week, the Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle said his first choice was to return to the CFL team. But on Monday, the six-foot-two, 290-pound Maxie signed with the NFL's Buffalo Bills.'

Failure in Super Bowl brings lifetime of infamy [4:21 PM]Charlotte Observer reports:
The Irish rock band U2 has a new video centered on a field goal kicker who misses a kick in the final seconds of a big game. Video director Joseph Kahn said it is based partly on Scott Norwood, the Buffalo Bills kicker who missed a potential game-winning field goal in the closing seconds of Super Bowl XXV. The ultimate indignity for Norwood, wouldn't you say, being thrust onto video shelves between the bare midriffs and the trashy rap?

Strange that U2 would choose such a subject for a music video, but give them this -- the title is appropriate. It's "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of."

Donahoe rolls the dice on draft list [1:11 PM]Olean Times Herald reports:
'Was it mere coincidence that the Bills announced the firing of offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard only moments before they revealed their expansion list?'

Fassel Set to Huddle With Wade [5:32 AM]New York Daily News reports:
'Phillips, a former head coach with both the Broncos and the Buffalo Bills, had Fassel on his Denver staff in 1993-94. He is believed to be the leading candidate to replace John Fox, who became the head coach of the Carolina Panthers on Friday.'

Phillips Tops List To Replace Fox [5:31 AM]New York Newsday reports:
'Phillips has interviewed with Dan Reeves' Falcons, but he appears to be the Giants' leading candidate.'

Jints Wade-ing after Phillips [5:30 AM]New York Post reports:
'Fassel worked in Denver with Phillips, who was fired a year ago as head coach of the Bills. Phillips could be an immediate front runner for the most important position on Fassel's staff and Fassel may strike quickly, as there are other openings in the league and there will be competition for Phillips' services.'

January 27, 2002

Wade Phillips on Fassel's docket [5:43 PM]Newark Star Ledger reports:
'Longtime NFL coach Wade Phillips is the front-runner to become the Giants next defensive coordinator and will interview for the position tomorrow.'

Don't expect Johnson to do a Lamonica impersonation [9:32 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Johnson certainly has the talent to be a capable quarterback in the NFL. He's a nice guy and a good person. But putting him on the expansion list was the logical and correct thing for the Bills to do.'

January 26, 2002

Conference Championships are about Redemption [11:23 PM]USA Today reports:
Inevitably, cameras will focus on these players (such as Antowain Smith, who was released by Buffalo last year) at the end of Sunday's games. Win, and they become the sentimental favorites, like John Elway finally having enough talent around him to win it all in Denver. Lose, and they almost become tragic heroes like the Buffalo Bills of the 1990s.

And don't forget about defensive backs such as Chris Hayes of the New York Jets, Tampa Bay's Eric Vance and Raion Hill of the Bills, all good cover men on the punt and kickoff teams.

Maxie shuffling off to Buffalo [4:16 PM]Regina Leader Post reports:
'"When the opportunity comes, I'll take it,'' Maxie said from Norwalk, Calif. "Money's the big thing because I have a family (with two kids) to look after. It's even more important now because of the Canadian dollar -- when you bring that money home to the States it doesn't amount to very much."'

Gregg Williams press conference (1/25) [11:16 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
Gregg Williams speaks on letting of OC Sheppard go, that it was his decision and that he will be looking at the best offensive system to fit the players.

Tom Donahoe press conference (1/25) [11:13 AM]BuffaloBills.com reports:
Tom Donahoe talks about expansion list (instructed to not say anything until Friday but due to links started notifying players on Tuesday. Bills have spoken to all the players on the list.

Gilbride Will Likely Top Bills Wish List [10:44 AM]ESPN.com reports:
Now that the Bills have fired offensive coordinator Mike Sheppard, expect Kevin Gilbride to emerge as the lead candidate for the job. Gilbride was supposed to get back to the New Orleans Saints about their QB coaching opening. He told the Saints that he had heard from another team this week. That team very well may have been the Bills. Gilbride also interviewed for the Vikings' offensive coordinator position.

Bills show offensive coordinator Sheppard the door [9:10 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'"Mike Sheppard is a quality person and a super individual. He's very organized, very detailed. But this business is about, you know, prove it, and handling the whole offense. I need to make a move and take a look at another person out there."'

Next mistake could be last for Williams [9:08 AM]Buffalo News reports:
'Firing Sheppard is a clear sign that the pressure has intensified at One Bills Drive, a recognition by Williams that his own job and reputation are on the line.'

Williams fires Sheppard [5:30 AM]D and C reports:
'"We needed to win this year, that's how I look at it," said Williams, who is believed to have a three-year contract. "I'm going to coach in this league. The issue is how do we get better next year and that's what I'm addressing right now."'

Bills leave Johnson out in cold [5:29 AM]D and C reports:
'Of course, a new dynamic is at work. Now that Mike Sheppard has been fired as offensive coordinator, depending on who his replacement is -- possibly Kevin Gilbride -- the Bills might try harder to re-sign Johnson to a new deal. Donahoe did not give an indication that talks were going smoothly.'